- #1 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
97% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 44,786 reviews2019
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 26.6 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Become Phoenix Wright and experience the thrill of battle as you fight to save your innocent clients in a court of law. Play all 14 episodes, spanning the first three games, in one gorgeous collection.
Why similar: Detective 26.6%, Crime 15.9%, Visual Novel 14%, Mystery 11.7%, Great Soundtrack 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: This is the foundational series that established the courtroom drama and investigative gameplay mechanics found in the Investigations collection.
- #2 Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy
96% matchVery Positive88% of 4,422 reviews2024
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 35.7 hrsMean: 54.8 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features 16 episodes (including previously DLC-only episodes) and supports English, French, German, Japanese Korean, and Traditional and Simplified Chinese.
Why similar: Investigation 17.9%, Detective 17.9%, Crime 13.8%, Visual Novel 12.7%, Mystery 8.6%
Why You'll Like It: This collection continues the legacy of the series with refined mechanics and deep, character-focused legal mysteries.
- #3 The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
96% matchVery Positive94% of 9,441 reviews2021
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 34.9 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Immerse yourself in a dramatic yet charming and witty world of evidence-gathering, deduction and courtroom battles with this double-pack of the adventures of rookie lawyer Ryunosuke.
Why similar: Detective 24.2%, Visual Novel 16.6%, Text-Based 13.4%, Mystery 13.3%, Story Rich 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: Set in a historical period, this spin-off offers a fresh take on the classic Ace Attorney investigation and trial formula.
- #4 Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
95% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 8,529 reviews2023
Dev: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 6.6 hrsMean: 8.3 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, the classic puzzle-solving mystery adventure directed by Ace Attorney creator Shu Takumi, is back! This long-awaited HD remaster features upgraded visuals and sound and new gallery content.
Why similar: Detective 30.4%, Mystery 20%, Story Rich 10.7%, Visual Novel 10.4%, Great Soundtrack 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: Created by the same mastermind behind Ace Attorney, this game features similar charm, wit, and clever puzzle-solving mechanics.
- #5 AI: The Somnium Files
94% matchVery Positive92% of 9,378 reviews2019
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 4.6 hrsMean: 15.2 hrs≥1hr: 85%
Play as detective Kaname Date on the case of an elusive serial killer in this thrilling, sci-fi murder mystery.
Why similar: Detective 29.5%, Visual Novel 20.7%, Mystery 17.4%, Story Rich 10%, Anime 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: A high-stakes mystery visual novel that blends surreal investigation sequences with a gripping, character-driven narrative.
- #6 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
94% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 38,237 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.9 hrsMean: 22.9 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Investigate murders, search for clues and talk to your classmates to prepare for trial. There, you'll engage in deadly wordplay, going back and forth with suspects. Dissect their statements and fire their words back at them to expose their lies! There's only one way to survive—pull the trigger.
Why similar: Detective 29.4%, Visual Novel 18.6%, Mystery 16.7%, Great Soundtrack 12.8%, Story Rich 8.1%
Why You'll Like It: This title combines high-stakes mystery with intense trial segments that will feel very familiar to fans of the Ace Attorney series.
- #7 The Case of the Golden Idol
93% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 10,922 reviews2022
Dev: Color Gray GamesPub: Playstack
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.9 hrsMean: 8.0 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A new kind of detective game that allows you to think and investigate freely. Discover clues surrounding 12 strange and gruesome deaths and build your own theory. Pick your suspect, deduce the motive, unmask the awful truth.
Why similar: Investigation 25.4%, Detective 22.8%, Crime 16.2%, Mystery 13.7%, Story Rich 6%
Why You'll Like It: This game offers a masterclass in deduction and logic, challenging players to piece together complex crime scenes in a way that feels deeply rewarding.
- #8 Tangle Tower
92% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 6,631 reviews2019
Dev: SFB Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.6 hrsMean: 6.7 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Unravel a thrilling mystery by exploring a strange and twisted mansion, discovering curious clues, interrogating peculiar suspects and solving unique puzzles. Will you be able to uncover the secrets of Tangle Tower?
Why similar: Detective 25.9%, Crime 17.6%, Visual Novel 10.6%, Investigation 10.6%, Mystery 9.6%
Why You'll Like It: A charming and beautifully animated detective game that focuses on interviewing suspects and connecting clues to solve a murder.
- #9 Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus
91% matchVery Positive81% of 2,244 reviews2024
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 12.2 hrsMean: 22.1 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Yuma, an amnesiac detective-in-training, and Shinigami, the spirit haunting him, tackle unsolved mysteries.
Why similar: Detective 38.2%, Mystery 15.5%, Adventure 13.7%, Visual Novel 12%, Story Rich 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: Developed by the creators of Danganronpa, this game features supernatural investigation mechanics and a stylish, mystery-filled world.
- #10 Return of the Obra Dinn
91% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 35,035 reviews2018
Dev: Lucas PopePub: 3909
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.7 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Lost at sea 1803 ~ The good ship Obra Dinn.
Why similar: Detective 47.4%, Mystery 25%, Great Soundtrack 10.4%, Story Rich 10%, Adventure 2.8%
Why You'll Like It: A brilliant deduction game that requires players to use logic and observation to solve a massive mystery, mirroring the investigative spirit of Miles Edgeworth.
- #11 Sherlock Holmes: Crimes and Punishments
90% matchVery Positive89% of 7,986 reviews2014
Dev: Frogwares
Windows
Median: 4.7 hrsMean: 9.0 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Become the most celebrated detective of all time: Sherlock Holmes! Use your impressive talents as a detective to solve six thrilling and varied cases: murders, missing persons, spectacular thefts and numerous investigations that sometimes lead you into the realms of the fantastic.
Why similar: Detective 33.5%, Investigation 20%, Crime 19.9%, Mystery 12.4%, Adventure 5.9%
Why You'll Like It: This title excels at the investigative process, tasking players with gathering clues and making deductions to identify the true culprit.
- #12 Aviary Attorney
89% matchVery Positive95% of 2,275 reviews2015
Dev: Sketchy Logic
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.7 hrsMean: 4.5 hrs≥1hr: 90%
The hottest bird lawyering game to come out of 1840s France! Join Jayjay Falcon and his witty apprentice, Sparrowson, as the two take on clients, interview witnesses, collect evidence, and deliver justice to the guilty.
Why similar: Detective 33.4%, Visual Novel 23.7%, Mystery 15.5%, Story Rich 8.5%, Adventure 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: Featuring a similar legal drama structure, this game uses a distinct art style and witty writing to deliver a compelling detective experience.
- #13 Paradise Killer
89% matchVery Positive93% of 4,509 reviews2020
Dev: Kaizen Game WorksPub: Fellow Traveller
Windows
Median: 5.0 hrsMean: 7.3 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Paradise Island, a world outside reality. There’s been a murder that only "investigation freak" Lady Love Dies can solve. Gather evidence and interrogate suspects in this open world adventure. You can accuse anyone, but you’ll have to prove your case in trial. It’s up to you to decide who’s guilty.
Why similar: Investigation 26.1%, Crime 25.4%, Detective 22.4%, Mystery 12.5%, Story Rich 7.6%
Why You'll Like It: An open-world investigation game that allows players to gather evidence and build their own case in a unique, vaporwave-inspired setting.
- #14 Tyrion Cuthbert: Attorney of the Arcane
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,720 reviews2023
Dev: Diamondhenge Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 13.4 hrsMean: 14.7 hrs≥1hr: 79%
In Tyrion Cuthbert: Attorney of the Arcane, you play as a defense attorney who practices law in a world of fantasy and wizards. You must defend clients accused of various crimes committed using magic and use the rules of magic to prove them innocent.
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.8%, Mystery 24.2%, Detective 17.6%, Story Rich 12.2%, Anime 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: This game directly adapts the courtroom battle mechanics of Ace Attorney into a fantasy setting with unique magical evidence rules.
- #15 Murders on the Yangtze River
87% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 21,156 reviews2024
Dev: OMEGAMES STUDIO
Windows · Mac
Median: 11.4 hrsMean: 14.2 hrs≥1hr: 88%
"Murders on Yangtze River" is an Ace Attorney-like detective game that takes you on a journey through early 20th century China as you solve a series of intriguing cases. Use your logical reasoning and deduction skills to uncover clues, interrogate suspects, and solve the mysteries.
Why similar: Detective 35.8%, Investigation 22%, Mystery 13.3%, Story Rich 9.8%, Adventure 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A detective adventure game that emphasizes investigation and logical deduction in a beautifully illustrated historical setting.
- #16 Staffer Case: A Supernatural Mystery Adventure
86% matchVery Positive94% of 4,260 reviews2023
Dev: Team Tetrapod
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.5 hrsMean: 8.8 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Staffer Case is a new sort of mystery game, asking players to find clues, arrange them into documents, and point out the contradictions between them to solve a series of murders. Each mystery unraveled leads you closer to the truth lying at the heart of each case!
Why similar: Detective 26.3%, Crime 21.3%, Mystery 12.2%, Visual Novel 11.6%, Text-Based 10.9%
Why You'll Like It: A detective visual novel that tasks players with solving supernatural crimes using a unique evidence-linking system.
- #17 Paper Perjury
85% matchVery Positive89% of 228 reviews2024
Dev: Paper Cat Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
It all started with a simple robbery. When that thread was pulled, a tapestry of mysteries was revealed. Solve cases and outsmart criminals in a detective story full of lies, confessions, and maybe even a murder or two.
Why similar: Detective 19.7%, Investigation 19.6%, Crime 13.6%, Visual Novel 11%, Mystery 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A legal-themed visual novel that focuses on investigation and courtroom cross-examinations with a distinct, charming aesthetic.
- #18 Murder by Numbers
86% matchVery Positive84% of 1,683 reviews2020
Dev: MediatonicPub: The Irregular Corporation
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 12.6 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Solve Pixel Puzzles to find clues. Use those clues to interrogate witnesses. Work your way to the truth... ...and uncover the mystery of Murder by Numbers!
Why similar: Investigation 24.2%, Detective 19.4%, Crime 18.4%, Visual Novel 12.3%, Mystery 8.5%
Why You'll Like It: This game blends investigation and dialogue-heavy visual novel segments with nonogram puzzles to uncover the truth.
- #19 The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,008 reviews2021
Dev: Spooky DoorwayPub: Akupara Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 3.8 hrsMean: 6.3 hrs≥1hr: 94%
Delouse your room with sage and pack up your travel-sized ouija board, it’s time to re-enter Twin Lakes - America’s 34th most haunted city. Join Detective McQueen as he puzzles his way through 9 chilling cases, risking life and pixelated limb to solve the macabre mysteries that plague the poor town.
Why similar: Detective 21.9%, Investigation 17.8%, Mystery 11.8%, Text-Based 10.8%, Visual Novel 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: A humorous, pixel-art point-and-click adventure that focuses on solving supernatural mysteries with clever deduction.
- #20 GNOSIA
83% matchVery Positive94% of 5,092 reviews2022
Dev: Petit DepottoPub: PLAYISM
Windows
Median: 7.3 hrsMean: 15.3 hrs≥1hr: 91%
The Gnosia lie. Pretending to be human, they’ll get in close, trick and deceive, and then eliminate one victim at a time...
Why similar: Detective 27%, Visual Novel 23.7%, Mystery 19.8%, Story Rich 12.4%, Anime 7.4%
Why You'll Like It: A unique social deduction mystery game that forces players to use logic and intuition to uncover the truth in a repeating time loop.
- #21 The Silver Case
84% matchVery Positive89% of 1,192 reviews2016
Dev: GRASSHOPPER MANUFACTURE INC.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 84%
The Silver Case – the debut title from world-renowned developer SUDA51 has been fully remastered and localized to English for the first time ever!
Why similar: Crime 19%, Investigation 18.5%, Detective 14.8%, Mystery 9.4%, Visual Novel 9.2%
Why You'll Like It: A stylized, atmospheric mystery visual novel that offers a deep and complex narrative for fans of investigative storytelling.
- #22 AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES - nirvanA Initiative
82% matchVery Positive86% of 3,764 reviews2022
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 16.2 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Special Agents Mizuki and Ryuki, along with their AI partners Aiba and Tama, are tasked to solve the bizarre Half Body serial killings in this sequel to the critically acclaimed AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES.
Why similar: Investigation 22.2%, Detective 21.3%, Crime 16.1%, Visual Novel 13.9%, Mystery 13.4%
Why You'll Like It: The sequel to the original, offering more high-concept mystery and investigation gameplay for fans of the series.
- #23 Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority-
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 4,394 reviews2023
Dev: NankidaiPub: 0UP GAMES
Windows
Median: 6.9 hrsMean: 13.6 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Your Turn To Die -Death Game By Majority- is a multi-ending horror adventure game. Sara Chidouin returns home from school late one night to discover that something's gone terribly wrong. When she comes to, she finds herself, her friend Joe, and 9 other people trapped in a mysterious place.
Why similar: Mystery 27.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 16.9%, Story Rich 12.4%, Pixel Graphics 9.4%, Adventure 9.1%
Why You'll Like It: This intense mystery visual novel features high-stakes decision-making and logic puzzles that fans of the genre will appreciate.
- #24 The Roottrees are Dead
79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 9,873 reviews2025
Dev: Evil Trout Inc.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.8 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 88%
A genealogical mystery straight out of 1998. Scour the early Internet for clues, uncover hidden connections, and piece together the family tree behind the secretive Roottree Corporation.
Why similar: Detective 35.1%, Investigation 26.9%, Mystery 19%, Story Rich 6.8%, Point & Click 3.8%
Why You'll Like It: A deep, text-heavy deduction game that requires players to map out complex family relationships to solve a mystery.
- #25 Unheard - Voices of Crime
81% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 33,881 reviews2019
Dev: NEXT Studios
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 7.4 hrs≥1hr: 78%
What if you could hear every word spoken at the scene of a crime? “Acoustic Detectives” wanted for testing our new device! Return aurally to crime scenes and use the voices you hear to identify potential suspects and solve the mysteries. What is it that’s connecting these seemingly unrelated cases?
Why similar: Crime 26.7%, Detective 23.2%, Investigation 20.8%, Mystery 13.5%, Story Rich 7.1%
Why You'll Like It: A unique audio-based investigation game where you must listen to conversations to piece together the events of a crime.
- #26 Detective Di: The Silk Rose Murders
82% matchVery Positive89% of 1,287 reviews2019
Dev: Nupixo Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 96%
A thrilling point-and-click adventure game where you play as Di Renjie, ancient China's most famous and gifted investigator, as he tracks a serial killer in the heart of the Tang Dynasty's capital city.
Why similar: Investigation 26%, Detective 24.6%, Great Soundtrack 9.8%, Mystery 9.7%, Story Rich 8%
Why You'll Like It: A point-and-click investigation game set in ancient China that focuses on gathering evidence and solving intricate mysteries.
- #27 Loco Motive
79% matchVery Positive93% of 1,237 reviews2024
Dev: Robust GamesPub: Chucklefish
Windows
Median: 3.6 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 76%
There's been a murder aboard the Reuss Express, and you're the suspects! Prove your innocence in this comedy 'point n' click' murder mystery - packed with twists, laughs, and larger-than-life characters!
Why similar: Investigation 21.8%, Crime 20.2%, Detective 18.8%, Mystery 11.5%, Story Rich 6.2%
Why You'll Like It: A comedic point-and-click mystery game that captures the spirit of classic detective stories with engaging puzzles and investigation.
- #28 Trials of Innocence
78% matchVery Positive92% of 1,779 reviews2025
Dev: 猫龙游戏Pub: Right Mind
Windows
Median: 18.5 hrsMean: 20.9 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Trials of Innocence is an indie courtroom detective game. Step into the shoes of the main character, rookie lawyer Luna Ray, and navigate her journey through the legal world. Unravel a shocking conspiracy that changes the fate of many, including herself, and confront her inner choices.
Why similar: Detective 21%, Crime 18.8%, Investigation 17.4%, Visual Novel 11.8%, Mystery 10.3%
- #29 Detective Grimoire
80% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 2,547 reviews2014
Dev: SFB Games
Windows
Median: 3.1 hrsMean: 4.4 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Detective Grimoire has been called to investigate a murder. The owner of a small tourist attraction, seemingly killed by the mythical creature his attraction is based around... Explore the area, inspect the crime scene, grill suspects, solve puzzles, hunt for clues & uncover the secret of the swamp!
Why similar: Detective 21.1%, Crime 18.4%, Investigation 17%, Visual Novel 12.1%, Mystery 8.9%
Why You'll Like It: A polished investigation game that balances exploration, suspect interrogation, and deduction in a colorful, mystery-filled environment.
- #30 Urban Myth Dissolution Center
77% matchVery Positive88% of 6,230 reviews2025
Dev: HakababunkoPub: SHUEISHA GAMES
Windows
Median: 7.0 hrsMean: 9.7 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Join forces with the psychic Director of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center and solve a variety of cases involving cursed relics, rental properties with shady histories, and dimensional anomalies. Monstrous oddities and otherworldly planes abound in this occult mystery adventure game!
Why similar: Visual Novel 18.8%, Detective 17.9%, Mystery 15.2%, Text-Based 12%, Story Rich 8.1%
- #31 Staffer Retro : A Supernatural Mystery Quest
76% matchVery Positive90% of 1,084 reviews2026
Dev: Team Tetrapod
Windows · Mac
Staffer Retro is a mystery adventure game where you uncover past incidents related to ‘Mana’, the source of supernatural powers. Gather information through dialogue and exploration, and piece together clues found in documents to guide the choices of Verita Retro, the protagonist.
Why similar: Detective 19.1%, Investigation 16.5%, Crime 13.3%, Mystery 10.4%, Visual Novel 10.1%
- #32 Little Locked Rooms
77% matchVery Positive88% of 148 reviews2024
Dev: riolucci
Windows · Linux
Grab your magnifying glass and peek inside a series of tiny dioramas filled with crimes and carefully crafted mysteries! Think outside the box and solve them all in this new brand of detective game!
Why similar: Detective 19.9%, Investigation 19%, Crime 12.4%, Visual Novel 11.7%, Mystery 11.2%
- #33 Mohism: Battle of Words
78% matchMostly Positive78% of 610 reviews2023
Dev: 玄镜工作室Pub: Yooreka Studio
Windows
Mohism: Battle of Words is a detective game set in the world of wuxia. The game follows Zhang Xiaochen, investigates unsolved cases and comes into his own as a hero. He must rely on his wits and razor-sharp tongue to best his opponents, find the culprit and ensure justice prevails!
Why similar: Detective 20.5%, Investigation 19.7%, Crime 16.7%, Visual Novel 13.9%, Mystery 10.6%
- #34 The Real Face of a VTuber
75% matchVery Positive92% of 335 reviews2026
Dev: 莉莉恩工作室Pub: WhisperGames
Windows
A narrative courtroom adventure all about VTubers! Players will take the role of prosecutor Justin Truth and investigate a murder at a VTuber agency, doing their best to uncover the identity of both the killer and VTuber's real face.
Why similar: Detective 21.7%, Crime 19.3%, Visual Novel 12.2%, Mystery 11.2%, Story Rich 6.7%
- #35 Methods: The Canada Files
74% matchVery Positive96% of 399 reviews2026
Dev: LockedOn GamesPub: Erabit
Windows · Mac · Linux
Methods: The Canada Files is a mystery visual novel. You play as a team of eccentric detectives in a mysterious crime-solving competition. To solve each mystery, you must use your team member’s unique detective methods, refute faulty theories with evidence, and find out the truth!
Why similar: Investigation 27.1%, Crime 21.3%, Detective 19%, Visual Novel 11%, Story Rich 6.2%
- #36 Detective Butler: Maiden Voyage Murder
76% matchVery Positive82% of 311 reviews2017
Dev: Goldbar Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 30 minMean: 10.3 hrs≥1hr: 28%
Follow Detective Butler and his sidekick Gilligan as they solve a locked-room murder during a haunted cruise ship's maiden voyage. Can you solve the mystery before Detective Butler reveals the answer?
Why similar: Investigation 18.5%, Detective 17.4%, Crime 16.5%, Mystery 10.7%, Visual Novel 10.4%
- #37 No Case Should Remain Unsolved
72% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 10,592 reviews2024
Dev: Somi
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.6 hrsMean: 2.7 hrs≥1hr: 75%
Twelve years after Senior Inspector Jeon Gyeong's retirement, she is visited by a young police officer: a woman who pleads with her to reexamine Seowon's case. But with each uncovered memory, only one thing becomes clear: everyone in Seowon's vicinity was lying.
Why similar: Investigation 27.5%, Detective 16.6%, Visual Novel 13.5%, Text-Based 11%, Story Rich 7.1%
- #38 Nina Aquila: Legal Eagle, Season One
74% matchVery Positive95% of 109 reviews2021
Dev: Tanuki-sama Studios
Windows · Linux
The chart-topping itch.io and Newgrounds indie hit comes to Steam, with a slew of enhancements and new features! Step into court as Nina Aquila, rookie defense attorney in this thrilling VN/adventure game hybrid, and fight for justice in a world where all anime genres exist at once!
Why similar: Detective 19.4%, Crime 19.1%, Investigation 16.8%, Visual Novel 11.5%, Mystery 10.3%
- #39 Nut City Blues
73% matchVery Positive97% of 408 reviews2023
Dev: looking4stupid
Windows
A comedy-mystery visual novel about Captain Fox, Detective Raccoon and the danger of pineapple pizza.
Why similar: Detective 23.8%, Investigation 20.9%, Visual Novel 14.5%, Mystery 11.2%, Story Rich 7.4%
- #40 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair
73% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 32,585 reviews2016
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 10.4 hrsMean: 32.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
Jabberwock Island—You and your classmates were ready for fun in the sun until Monokuma returned to restart his murderous game! Trapped in a kill-or-be-killed situation, your only hope rests in solving the island’s mysteries.
Why similar: Detective 32.4%, Visual Novel 17.5%, Mystery 15.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.9%, Story Rich 8.7%
- #41 The Murder Hotel
72% matchVery Positive93% of 73 reviews2025
Dev: Wegenbartho Games
Windows
Interrogate suspects, search for clues, & uncover a dastardly plot, as you solve a string of mystifying murders to help reluctant detective Ilmarinen escape the foreboding Fafnir Hotel.
Why similar: Detective 23.1%, Crime 21.9%, Visual Novel 14.6%, Mystery 13.9%, Text-Based 8%
- #42 Tokyo Detectives
75% matchMixed69% of 59 reviews2021
Dev: Rincho Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Detective Game. Murder Investigation. Interrogate witnesses. Rebut with evidence.
Why similar: Investigation 21.4%, Detective 20.3%, Crime 18.6%, Visual Novel 10.7%, Mystery 9.7%
- #43 Murder on the Marine Express
73% matchVery Positive92% of 79 reviews2021
Dev: 1564 Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
A mystery visual novel taking place aboard the underwater train Marine Express. Follow student Ranko Togawa on her quest to find the culprit on the murder of an accompanying teacher... with lots of surprises along the way!
Why similar: Detective 22.6%, Investigation 19.8%, Visual Novel 14%, Mystery 11.9%, Text-Based 9.3%
- #44 ステータス確認探偵
70% matchVery Positive95% of 86 reviews2025
Dev: 風切羽
Windows
Check the suspect's status and solve the mystery! A status-checking mystery ADV in which a rookie detective takes on difficult cases that take place in a fantasy world.
Why similar: Mystery 24.2%, Investigation 21.3%, Visual Novel 19.9%, Adventure 12%, Choose Your Own Adventure 8.5%
- #45 Back to the Dawn
67% matchVery Positive94% of 10,367 reviews2025
Dev: Metal Head GamesPub: Spiral Up Games
Windows
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 82%
Back to the Dawn is a story-rich RPG set in a high-security prison ruled by factions and buried secrets. Investigate two conspiracies from the inside, gather evidence, and outsmart a system designed to silence you. Make friends (or foes) with fellow inmates and with their help, break out of prison.
Why similar: Detective 25.2%, Crime 22%, Investigation 19%, Story Rich 10%, Mystery 9.6%
- #46 Methods: The Detective Competition
71% matchVery Positive91% of 754 reviews2020
Dev: LockedOn GamesPub: Erabit
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
One hundred detectives compete against each other in a crime-solving competition.
Why similar: Investigation 21%, Detective 18.6%, Crime 17.7%, Visual Novel 11%, Mystery 10.6%
- #47 The Sekimeiya: Spun Glass
71% matchVery Positive87% of 295 reviews2021
Dev: Trinitite Team
Windows · Mac · Linux
An intricate mystery visual novel. Search text, piece together clues, and jump around the story to unravel the tangled events within the sealed tower.
Why similar: Detective 23.2%, Investigation 21.4%, Mystery 14.5%, Visual Novel 14.1%, Text-Based 8.5%
- #48 The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog
68% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 25,169 reviews2023
Dev: SEGA
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 5.6 hrs≥1hr: 66%
Sonic the Hedgehog...was murdered!? Get to the bottom of the mystery in this brand-new adventure!
Why similar: Detective 27%, Visual Novel 21.1%, Mystery 17.4%, Text-Based 12.3%, Great Soundtrack 7.1%
- #49 Neon Hearts City
70% matchVery Positive84% of 56 reviews2025
Dev: Cosmic VoidPub: Dionous Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
A private investigator, tracking a missing person, uncovers a conspiracy between humans and androids and a secret that could change everything. Neon Hearts City is a retro point-and-click adventure that thrusts you into a grungy cyberpunk city of the future.
Why similar: Investigation 23.7%, Detective 21.6%, Crime 18.6%, Mystery 7.5%, Story Rich 6.3%
- #50 Fate/hollow ataraxia REMASTERED
67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 1,098 reviews2025
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 66.1 hrs≥1hr: 77%
Relive the four days of destiny...
Why similar: Visual Novel 30.3%, Choose Your Own Adventure 14.9%, Text-Based 11.8%, Adventure 11.7%, Anime 8.3%
- #51 LumineNight
68% matchVery Positive88% of 562 reviews2024
Dev: Spickasoft
Windows
LumineNight is a story-driven detective adventure. Play as Detective Foster and his daughter to solve a series of murders spanning a decade. Interrogate suspects, infiltrate locations, solve puzzles, and gather evidence from crime scenes. Uncover the dark truth behind these killings.
Why similar: Detective 27.5%, Investigation 17.2%, Mystery 15.1%, Visual Novel 13.8%, Story Rich 8.9%
- #52 Star Seeker in: the Secret of the Sorcerous Standoff
70% matchVery Positive100% of 78 reviews2020
Dev: Benedict Ide
Windows · Mac
In this short point 'n' click adventure, you are Star Seeker - a WIZARD solving a WIZARD crime to not get put in WIZARD jail by the WIZ- I mean, PLAIN OLD cops. With a useless detective, countless red herrings, and unique dialogue for every evidence combination... will this case ever be cracked?
Why similar: Investigation 22.2%, Detective 18.4%, Crime 16.8%, Mystery 11%, Visual Novel 10.3%
- #53 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony
69% matchVery Positive83% of 23,146 reviews2017
Dev: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Windows
Median: 9.0 hrsMean: 30.5 hrs≥1hr: 92%
A new cast of 16 characters find themselves kidnapped and imprisoned in a school. Inside, some will kill, some will die, and some will be punished. Reimagine what you thought high-stakes, fast-paced investigation was as you investigate twisted murder cases and condemn your new friends to death.
Why similar: Detective 31.7%, Visual Novel 19.2%, Mystery 15.4%, Great Soundtrack 12.5%, Story Rich 9.4%
- #54 Kindaichi Mystery Series: The Honjin Murders
69% matchMostly Positive72% of 184 reviews2025
Dev: coly Inc.
Windows · Mac
Famous detective Kosuke Kindaichi's first case, the Honjin Murder Mystery. Honjin descendant Kenzo Ichiyanagi and his new wife Katsuko Kubo lay dead in a bed of blood on the night of their wedding. Kosuke Kindaichi searches for the truth about this locked room murder mystery. However...
Why similar: Investigation 21%, Detective 19.8%, Mystery 13.1%, Visual Novel 12.5%, Text-Based 9.1%
- #55 Demons' Timeline
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 872 reviews2026
Dev: DigitalCats
Windows
Cyber Detective L solves Paradoxes—bizarre incidents by supernatural Demons—via the social media giant Parrotter. The Cyber Detective Squad, L and his Demon partner Nyasuteria, wield elite hacking and psychic powers to take on the final Paradox investigation.
Why similar: Investigation 20.3%, Detective 19%, Mystery 13.3%, Text-Based 12.7%, Crime 11.1%
- #56 Methods: The Illusion Murders
68% matchVery Positive85% of 102 reviews2024
Dev: LockedOn GamesPub: Erabit
Windows · Mac · Linux
Detective Red July must stop a serial killer who patterns his murders after optical illusions in this mystery visual novel set in the world of Methods.
Why similar: Crime 19.1%, Detective 18.9%, Investigation 17.2%, Visual Novel 12.1%, Text-Based 11.4%
- #57 TOKYO PSYCHODEMIC
71% matchMostly Negative31% of 106 reviews2024
Dev: GRAVITY GAME ARISEPub: GRAVITY
Windows
5% of murder cases remain unsolved... it's time to open up these cases and confront the supernatural with forensic science! Solve cases by analyzing evidence and consulting with specialists. Enter a world that artfully blends 2D illustration and real-life visuals!
Why similar: Crime 17.5%, Investigation 16.9%, Detective 15.4%, Text-Based 8.9%, Visual Novel 8.7%
- #58 Connected Clue
66% matchVery Positive88% of 120 reviews2026
Dev: Alpheratz Games Pub: CFK Co., Ltd.
Windows · Mac
Connected Clue is a quarter-view detective adventure game inspired by the atmosphere of 19th-century mystery novels. Gather clues, see through lies, and uncover the identity of the culprit shrouded in secrecy!
Why similar: Crime 23.2%, Detective 20.1%, Investigation 20%, Mystery 9.8%, Text-Based 9.2%
- #59 WITCH ON THE HOLY NIGHT
65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 8,439 reviews2023
Dev: TYPE-MOONPub: Aniplex Inc.
Windows
Median: 14.2 hrsMean: 66.0 hrs≥1hr: 85%
A tale told with vivid colors and rich sound in a classic TYPE-MOON visual novel.
Why similar: Visual Novel 42.3%, Great Soundtrack 16.2%, Story Rich 10.5%, Anime 9%, Adventure 8.8%
- #60 Turlock Holmes
67% matchVery Positive80% of 984 reviews2024
Dev: Find the Lamp GamesPub: Neverland Entertainment
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 5.8 hrs≥1hr: 83%
A detective narrative puzzler without pre-set options! Raise your questions at will, and an AI-host will answer only with 'yes' or 'no.' Drive the investigation with your curiosity; the path to solving the mystery lies in questions you ask. Can you dig out the truth through your questions?
Why similar: Crime 29.5%, Detective 26.5%, Mystery 13.5%, Visual Novel 9.8%, Story Rich 6.9%
